Our Team

At the Sustainable Energy Applied Research Centre (SEARC), we rely heavily on our staff and experienced researchers, and feel that it is important to highlight each of them.

SEARC is also committed to training the next generation of sustainable energy professionals. Our students and recent graduates receive practical, hands-on experience in a wide range of sustainable energy research areas including (but not limited to) system design, data collection, product testing, energy auditing, system installations, and project management.

If you would like to learn more about our team, please scroll through the profiles below.

Dr. Nathan C. Manion – Project Manager

email: nmanion@sl.on.caNathan Manion specializes in renewable energy development and implementation, having received his PhD from Queen’s University studying in the Renewable Energy Development and Implementation (REDi) lab. Nathan has been involved in a number of renewable energy projects at the design, implementation, and evaluative stages. His background in life cycle assessment (LCA) provides a quantitative framework to help evaluate the performance of emerging sustainable energy products, technologies, and services.

Molli Smith – Research Technologist

email: bmsmith@sl.on.caMolli Smith is a graduate of the Energy Systems Engineering Technology program at St Lawrence College and began working with SEARC as a student in 2013. After working in the Sustainable Energy Industry as a Renewable Energy Monitoring Analyst, Molli rejoined SEARC as a Research Technologist in 2017. She is currently working on projects involving bifacial photovoltaic panel analysis, net-metering and the development of sustainable building solutions. Molli is passionate about sustainable living, renewable energy technologies and is advocate for energy conservation.

Garrett Sills – Research Technologist

email: gsills@sl.on.caGarrett Sills is a graduate of the Instrumentation and Control Engineering Technology (ICET) program at St Lawrence College. Almost immediately upon graduating, Garrett began working as a Research Technologist for SEARC in 2017 and shortly after began teaching courses for the ICET program. Garrett is our resident expert in control systems and has developed and maintains several data acquisition systems that are integral for our ongoing projects. From fuel cells to robotics, AC and DC circuitry and programing microcontrollers, Garrett is well versed in the world of electronics and is vital member of the SEARC team.

Charles Lessard – Mechanical Technician/CAD Designer

email: clessard@sl.on.caCharles Lessard is a graduate of the Mechanical Technician Program at St. Lawrence College and is currently working as a Student Research Assistant with SEARC. With an in-depth understanding of Solid Works and Auto-CAD, Charles has been our 3D model designer for a variety of projects. He is currently working on a project that analyses the degradation of foam used in mixed martial arts gloves. Charles experiences include a practical understanding of the fabrication process. Gaining knowledge of conventional machining, CNC, and welding with his Mechanical Technician Diploma. He plans to complete a Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering in the near future.

Shawn Curry – Summer Student

email: scurry13@sl.on.caShawn Curry is a student in the Energy Systems Engineering Technology program at St Lawrence College and is working with SEARC over the summer as a Student Research Assistant. Shawn is working with SEARC on a project involving the analysis of Bifacial versus Monofacial PV modules at our 90kW Integrated Energy Systems Lab. He is also involved with a project that investigates the viability of Net-Metered Photovoltaic systems in Ontario. Shawn has a background in business and is well versed in the world of renewable energy. After graduating from the ESET program in April of 2019, Shawn plans to work towards CET certification.

Jacob Green – Summer Student (U. of Ottawa co-op)

email: jhgreen@sl.on.caJacob Green comes from the University of Ottawa’s Mechanical Engineering Program and has joined SEARC for the summer as a Student Research Assistant. Jacob is working primarily on one of SEARC’s major projects involving the development of shut-off and diversion valves to be used in rain water harvesting systems. He has successfully developed a prototype valve using SolidWorks and St Lawrence College’s 3D printer and continues to work on alternative designs. Jacobs’s mechanical and mathematical background make him a perfect fit for our team here at SEARC.